Chapter 2

After three years of torment and my release from prison, Christina actually knelt before me, her eyes full of eagerness and remorse:

“Marry me, Ethan? The past is the past. I forgive you.”

“Forgive me?” I replied, stunned.

I looked at the once imperious Christina, now kneeling before me in a heavy, elaborate wedding dress and high heels.

I admit, I was somewhat disoriented, but mostly, I felt the exhaustion from three years of relentless torment.

“Hey! What are you staring at? Don’t you see what Christina is doing? Just say yes!”

Seeing the wealthy heiress so eager to marry a disheveled ex-con, the onlookers, who were just there to gawk and applaud, couldn't help but scold me, the male lead.

The swarming media and crowds created an oppressive atmosphere, forcing me to bend down, intending to help Christina up first.

Just as I extended my hand, ready to push away the ring and refuse, Christina suddenly handed the ring to Raphael, who was beside her, and burst out laughing at me:

“Look at you, still so clueless. You haven't even passed my test yet, and you're already dreaming of marrying me? What are you thinking?”

“Right, Raphael? This ring was custom-made for your size. A birthday surprise for you! Happy?”

Her gaze towards Raphael was full of girlish anticipation.

Before Christina’s words even faded, the roar of laughter from the crowd became deafening.

“So funny! Doesn’t he take a good look at himself? Still fantasizing about marrying a rich heiress.”

“Why does Christina fall for a guy like him?”

“I don’t think Ms. Christina is infatuated. It’s Ethan who’s willing to grovel like a dog for Ms. Christina.”

“Ms. Christina is used to charming millionaires, but a lapdog? That’s new.”

As the background music swelled to a climax, my head buzzed, and I couldn't hear anything clearly.

All I saw were faces sneering at me, and Christina and Raphael wrapped intimately together.

Yes, what illusions was I still holding about Christina?

It had been nine years. She had punished me countless times with similar methods, always citing failed assessments.

This was the tenth time I witnessed her ‘marry’ herself off to Raphael.

Everyone mocked me, saying all I had was my floristry skill; my background and looks were nothing next to Christina’s.